Sunday, September 22, 2013

Best Ways To Get Cheaper Homeowners Insurance

Most of us consider our houses to be very important assets. Not only do they provide us with shelter, they might be the center of our family lives. That is why it is not a good idea to skimp on home insurance. Make sure you understand exactly what your home policy covers, and also what your homeowners insurance does not cover!

That said, many people do over pay for coverage when they are not even that sure what it protects. You might also be overpaying because you are not aware of some hidden homeowners insurance discounts that you could qualify for. It is not that your agent or insurer is trying to keep these things a secret, but simply that he might not have thought to ask. Since it is your home it is your responsibility to be on top of things!

Quick Tips To Save Money On Home Policies

  • Auto and home bundling discounts are one of the most common ways to save money on insurance. A lot of so-called discount insurers do not sell both products, so you might not be able to take advantage of the discount. 
  • Getting your roof repaired, or doing anything that reduces the risks of claims can help you get cheaper coverage too. If you are about to make repairs, call your agent to find out which things you can do that will lower your coverage premiums. 
  • Are you thinking about moving into another home. You should remember that the cost of your home policy is one of the largest fixed expenses you might need to consider. You can shop for a good mortgage rate, but also for a house that is insurer friendly because it has safe, has had proper maintenance done, and is not in a hazardous area. 
  • Remember that flood insurance is not included in a typical homeowners policy. It is a good idea to find out exactly what your existing policy covers, and also ask the right questions when you are purchasing another house. 
If you are thinking of downsizing your home, it may be a good way to save money on coverage, but now always. The size and price of the home are factors, but so are the condition and location of the property. 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Uninsured Motorists Penalties and Costs



Uninsured Motorists Take Big Risks

Why are there still so many uninsured motorists on U.S. streets and highways? Enforcement of driving financial responsibility laws has been stepped up in a huge way, but the problem still persists. Uninsured drivers can cost everybody money, but they are really mostly risking grave financial and legal trouble for themselves.

Drivers without minimum required liability insurance could face problems in three major areas. Few drivers without the money to get legally required coverage can afford to have any of these big problems either.


  • ·         Breaking the law: Fines, jail time, etc.

  • ·         Uninsured Drivers are still responsible for damages and injuries they cause

  • ·         Loss of license, auto registration, and even vehicles

Meanwhile, recent surveys have demonstrated that one in seven U.S. drivers may be operating vehicles without required minimum liability insurance. See uninsured motorist penalties in each U.S. state here.

Legal Problems For Drivers Without Insurance

Each US state has different rules and penalties. These range from traffic tickets and fines to actual jail time. Most states tend to be milder on first offenses, but really escalate penalties after a 2nd or 3rd violation. It would be difficult to handle a fine for a person who says they cannot afford required coverage. It would be even more difficult to handle a jail sentence or the loss of a vehicle!

Lawsuits for Property Damages and Injuries 

The real threat is the one that uninsured motorists seldom consider. If a driver causes a car accident, he is still responsible for any property damage or injuries. . It is easy to see that even minor accidents can run up thousands of dollars in property damage. Major accidents could easily run up many thousands of dollars in property damages and medical bills. It is unlikely that a driver who does not have required minimum liability insurance will be able to pay these bills, but he can still be sued for claims!

If the at-fault motorist does not have coverage, his assets and even future income could be at risk without coverage. These claims will be piled on top of other legal problems for not having required coverage. It will not look good to a judge a jury if the defendant did not bother to insure his car even according to legal requirements. 

Uninsured Motorists Could Lose Their Driving Privileges, Vehicles, Etc.

Some locales will impound uninsured cars. In this case the vehicle owner will need to pay storage fees, tickets, and produce proof of insurance before he can get his car back! 

Is Auto Liability Insurance Expensive? 

Here’s the thing. When surveyed, most uninsured motorists said they lacked coverage because it was: 


  • ·         Too expensive

  • ·         Couldn’t afford it

But you have to assume that these same respondents really cannot afford to drive without coverage either. 

Can You Afford to Drive Without Insurance? 

Driving without required coverage is very risky. Uninsured drivers can face fines, jail time, loss of their driving privileges, and even large legal claims. Is liability insurance expensive? Actually liability insurance may be a bargain compared to driving without it!
It is fairly easy to find out how much coverage will cost you. Simply pick up the phone and call a local agent or use an online quote form to get competitive quotes.